§ 49. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Postmaster-General whether the new automatic exchanges have proved to be satisfactory in their working; whether it is proposed to convert further ex-changes to the automatic system; and whether there is any question of abandoning or altering the automatic system where it has been already installed?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Attlee)The new automatic exchanges have proved satisfactory, and an extensive programme of further conversions is in hand. The question of abandoning or altering the automatic system at an exchange would arise only in exceptional circumstances; for example, in the case of an experimental installation.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSCan the Postmaster-General say how many people have become unemployed as a result of this extension of automatic exchanges?
§ Mr. ATTLEENone.
§ 51. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider making a general reduction in telephone charges with a view to still further popularising and extending the use of the telephone?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe telephone service is run as a self-supporting service. Reductions of charges have been made from time to time as circumstances allowed; and I regret that the financial position does not permit of any further general reduction at present.
§ Commander SOUTHBYIs the hon. Member aware that many people are being deterred from installing the telephones because of the high cost?
§ 52. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telephone service at Shinfield, near Reading, again failed for three or four days last week, and that the subscribers to this service have been frequently isolated for days at a time during the last two years owing to telephone breakdowns; and whether he will take steps to have this telephone line put into permanent working order?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThere was a cable breakdown on 24th April owing to the corrosion of the lead sheathing. The defective length of cable was replaced and service restored at 7.30 p.m. on 25th April. In view of the corrosive nature of the soil in this neighbourhood, arrangements are being made, in connection with a development scheme, to provide specially protected cable.
Brigadier-General BROWNIs the Postmaster-General aware that this bad service has been going on for two years and does the hon. Member think that they should be charged the same rates?
§ Mr. ATTLEEAs I have told the hon. and gallant Member, the defect has been traced and a new cable has been put in.
Brigadier-General BROWNDoes the Postmaster-General think that the Department have at last cured the defect which has existed for the last two years?
§ Mr. ATTLEESo I am informed.
§ 54. Mr. ROSSasked the Postmaster-General what increase of telephone subscribers in Northern Ireland has taken place during each of the last three years?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe figures are 908, 812 and 1,026 respectively. The corresponding increases in the number of telephone stations, that is to say, instruments, were 1,324, 1,450 and 1,638 respectively.
§ 58. Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSasked the Postmaster-General the total cost of installing the automatic system in telephone exchanges in the London area now operating under this system?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe total expenditure up to 31st March, 1930, the latest convenient date, Was about£6,680,000. This figure includes exchange equipment and accommodation costs, but does not include external plant costs.
§ Sir W. BRASSCan the hon. Member say whether there is any saving to the Post Office as a result of the installation of automatic exchanges?
§ Mr. ATTLEEI should require notice of that question.
§ 59. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Postmaster-General the cost of maintaining those telephone exchanges in the London area now operating under the automatic system; and what was the cost of maintaining those same exchanges before they were transferred to this system?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe automatic exchanges in the London area have been provided up to the present mainly to meet development and to afford relief to neighbouring manual exchanges which are still retained in service. I cannot, therefore, give comparative costs in the form requested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas there been any saving in labour?
§ Mr. ATTLEEI could not answer that question without notice. It requires a much more detailed answer than a mere "No."